Johnsongrass - identify in MI nurseries

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Johnsongrass - Sorghum helepense (L.) Pers.


Patch of Johnsongrass.

Johnsongrass seedhead.

Johnsongrass rhizome section.	Johnsongrass collar region.

Life cycle: Rhizomatous perennial.

Leaves: Bright green leaves are hairless with a prominent, white midvein. Leaves are rolled in the bud and may be up to 24 inches long. Leaf sheaths are also hairless.

Ligule: Very prominent, jagged, membranous ligule.

Stems: Erect, stout, hairless stems may reach 10 feet in height. Round to sometimes flattened stems are purple-tinted at the base. Plants form dense patches by purplish, thick, scaly rhizomes.

Flowers and fruit: The seedhead is a purple, very large, open and spreading, pyramid-shaped panicle that consists of numerous whorled branches. Seeds are oval, shiny and reddish brown.

Reproduction: Seeds and rhizomes.

The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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02/08/08